"We don't have the right to isolate ourselves, Croatia does not have the right to poverty, and it is Istria that has shown that it is possible to activate one's own resources. This is possible in the whole of Croatia, but only after such laws are adopted that will attract capital and technologies for production," Mesic said, adding that Croatia had to protect its own interests during membership talks with the European Union.
Asked about plans to have a TV duel with the presidential candidate of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union, Jadranka Kosor, Mesic said he accepted duels, but he had no intention of apologising to anyone.
"The election headquarters of the HDZ's candidate have obviously realised that she has no chance in a duel with me because she does not have her own opinion, but refers to the government, (Prime Minister Ivo) Sanader and her party," Mesic said, adding that he was confident that there would be no second election round.
Commenting on the course of the election campaign, Mesic said that initially it had been acceptable, but that it was becoming increasingly dirty.